Patel U-turns continue in second term
Bhupendra Patel’s government does not appear to have learned from its previous mistakes, as it keeps changing its decisions since Patel became the chief minister. The trend of taking a U-turn from the decisions already made has continued even after Patel became the CM for the second time.
On February 11, the Bhupendra Patel-led government was forced to reverse its Annual Statement of Rates (ASR) or Jantri rate announcement. Previously, the government had to backtrack on the stray cattle bill, the police pay grade affidavit, the razing of encroachments in the Gujarat Housing Board, and other issues.
Action against cop for smoking at G20 event
A police constable has been removed from duty because he couldn’t quit tobacco for a day. A day before the inaugural Tourism Working Group meeting of G20 delegates began on February 8, a Morbi Town police officer was removed from the police bandobast at Dhordo in Bhuj.
He was found breaking rules and consuming tobacco while he was deployed on official duty, according to a police source. The administration has been dissuading people from consuming tobacco and spitting it out in public places, and increased efforts are being made in view of the G-20 events to present a neat image of the city.
‘Guj BJP more peaceful, plans change in party’
There has been a sense of calm in Gujarat politics for a long time, especially since the BJP broke the Congress’s record by winning 156 seats, Now, it appears that the BJP leaders are taking a break.
“Before the election, we had to work hard even after the victory of our last three assembly elections. It was because the record victory of the Congress’ 149 seats had not been broken yet. However, this time the record has been broken, so there is peace,” a BJP leader said on condition of anonymity.
Another BJP leader claims, “There will be changes in the national organisation and in the central cabinet, and after this change, there will be major changes in the Gujarat BJP.”
Dilip Singh Kshatriya
Our correspondent in Gujarat
dilipsingh@ newindianexpress.com